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INTERNATIONAL SABBATH-SCHOOL QUARTERLY
Sabbath-School Lessons on
The
Parables ot Jesus
For Senior Classes
(SECOND SERIES)
FIRST QUARTER, 19oz
Price 5 cents
No. z7
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SUGGESTIONS FOR FAMILY STUDY
SABBATH
Read carefully the portions of Scripture which
forni the basis of the next Sabbath's lesson. Study
the memory verse, if there be one.
SUNDAY
Repeat the story of the lesson from memory,
and then read it. Study the circumstances under
which the parable was spoken. Ask yourself what
is the lesson or lessons the parable is designed to
teach.
MONDAY
Read the comments on the lesson in "Christ's
Object Lessons." Review the Scripture lesson.
TUESDAY
Ask the questions on the primary lesson, and
on the youth's lesson, and review the memory
verse. Study the practical lessons taught by the
parable.
WEDNESDAY
Ask the questions on the senior lesson. Read
the notes in the "Lesson Quarterly," alSo the
notes in the "Instructor."
THURSDAY
Give an outline of the lesson, connecting with
it the helpful thoughts in "Christ's Object Les-
sons."
FRIDAY
Review all the lessons. Relate personal expe-
riences in Which the truths contained in the lesson
have been helpful.
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSONS
ON
The Parables of Jesus
FOR
SEN IOR CLASSES
(Second Series)
FIRST QUARTER 1002
LESSON L—THE BARREN FIG-TREE.
Lesson Scripture.—Luke
13
:6-9.
AID.—"Christ's
Object Lessons," pp.
212-218.
January 1,
1902.
1.
With what form of teaching did Jesus continue Ills
i nstruction ?
2.
What fact was stated as the basis of the lesson?
3.
What did the owner naturally expect from his tree?
4.
What was the result of his search for fruit?
5.
How many times was this experience repeated?
C. What command did he give concerning the tree?
7.
What question indicated its worthless condition?
8.
How much longer did the dresser of the vineyard ask
it to be spared?
9.
What effort would he make to render it fruitful?
10.
On what condition only would it. be spared further?
11.
If it failed to fulfil this condition, what was to be done?
"The advent message to the world in this generation "—our watchword.
4
LESSONS ON THE PARABLES oe JESUS.
NOTES.
To those acquainted with the Old Testament Scriptures the
basis of the instruction in this parable was perfectly' famil-
iar. A fruit tree existed simply for the purpose of bearing
fruit, and when it failed repeatedly to do this, it was not 10
be permitted to draw life out of the earth merely to keep
itself alive. This was the gospel of the fruit tree, and it had
been frequently interpreted to the people. The cause of bar-
renness was to be found in sin (Ps. 107:33, 34), while right-
eousness was the basis of fruitfulness (Ps. 92:12-15), which
would continue even "in old age." The truth had been set
forth that delight in the law of the Lord would result in
bringing forth fruit (Ps. 1:1-3), and the Messiah's work in
imparting to His people "the law of the Spirit of life" would
make them "trees of righteousness" (Isa. 61:1-3).
The rejection of the Messiah and His work of grace re-
sulted in the loss of the kingdom of God, which was given
"Lo
a
nation bringing forth the fruits thereof." They thus
lost the opportunity of giving to the world the gospel of the
kingdom.
The tree which did not "cease from yielding fruit" was
constantly proclaiming the experience of "the man that.
trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is." Jer.
17:7, 8, In the light of these interpretations, those who
heard the parable of the unfruitful tree had no difficulty in
making a right application of its meaning. With the further
light from the teaching of Jesns (Matt: 7:19; John 15:2-5), -
we ought to be able to make a close personal a.pplica•tion of
this lesson (2 Peter 1:5-8), and bring forth "fruit worthy of
repentance." Read Luke 13:1-5, which gives the circum-
stances which led to this parable, and then read Rev. 3:14-19, "
and note the earnest call to repentance. This parable is pres-
ent truth.
"There shall be delay no longer "—our confidence.
LESSONS ON
THE
PARABLES OE JESUS.
5
LESSON IL-THE PARABLE OF THE GREAT
SUPPER.
Lesson Scripture.—Luke 14:
12-20.
AID.—"Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 219-237.
January 11, 1902.
1.
What classes of persons did Jesus say need not consti-
tute the invited guests for "a .dinner or a supper"?
2.
What reason did He give for this instruction?
3.
Who should be invited?
4.
What would be the result to the giver of the feast?
5.
What would make this result possible?
6.
When would the reward be received?
7.
What response did one of the guests make to this
instruction?
S. With what statement did Jesus then continue His
instruction?
9.
How general were the invitations to this supper?
10.
How were the invited guests reminded of their engage-
ment?
11.
What was the message sent to them?
12.
How did they treat this urgent call?
13.
What did the. first one regard as of more importance
than the privilege of being present at the feast?
14.
How did the second one show that he held his oxen in
higher esteem than his lidst?
15.
Whose influence held the third one back from respond-
ing to the final call?
NOTES.
It
is evident that this parable deals with the final call to
the gospel feast of those who had previously been invited;
and of the way in which they treated this call. The sug-
gested future happiness of those who should "eat bread in
the kingdom of God" led to this instruction and furnishes
"Lift up your eyes and look on the fields; for they are white already to
harvest."
6
LESSONS
ON THE PARABLE'S OF JESUS.
a simple basis for understanding its meaning. The Lord
rained "bread from heaven" for His people (Ex. 16:4), that
they might learn that feeding upon His Word was the real
means of sustaining life. Dent. 8:3. On this basis the gospel.
invitation had beer, sounded through the prophet Isaiah (Isa..
55:1-3), with the promise of "the sure mercies of David."
This was the promise of eternal life through faith in Christ
(Ps. 89:28, 29), who was "born of the seed of David, accord-
ing to the flesh."
When the Word "became flesh, and dwelt among us," He
said: "The bread of God is He which cometh down from
heaven, and givefh life to the world. . . . I am the living
bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat of this
bread, he shall live forever." John 6:33, 51. Thus it is evi-
dent that when "they did all eat the same spiritual food,"
they were feeding• upon Christ, just as "they drank of that
spiritual Rock that went with them; and that Rock was
Christ," 1 Cor. 10:4. And so the provision for the gospel
feast is Christ Himself,. who has been given for us and to
The eating of this "bread of life" is not to be deferred
until the setting up of the kingdom of God, but the call to
the feast must be heeded here or that future happiness will
never be realized. This is the emphatic teaching of this
parable.
Those who were bidden to the feast were so much occupied
with various temporal matters that they treated as of trifling
importance the final call of the host. What a true picture
of the present danger! Luke 21:34. No earthly possession
or earthly tie should be allowed to keep us away from
Christ (Luke 14:33; Matt.. 19:29), and the most diligent at-
tention to worldly interests will not be a valid excuse for
neglecting the gospel call. Read Luke 10:38-42.
The offerings for this quarter go to the most needy fields.
LESSONS ON THE PARABLES OF JESUS.
7
LESSON HL—THE PARABLE OF THE GREAT
SUPPER (Continued).
Lesson Scripture.—Luke 24:
21
-
2
4.
AID.—"Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 219-237.
January 18, 1902.
1.
How did the servant deal with. these excuses?
2.
What effect did they have upon the master of the house•?
3.
Where did he tell the servant to go next?
4.
'What classes of persons were to be brought in?
5.
What report did the servant then make?
G. Where did his lord then send him?
How urgent was to be the invitation?
S. What result was expected?
9. What declaration was made concerning the guests first
invited?
NOTES.
Those who refused the last call, "Come; for all things are
now ready," were left to their own choice, but the feast was
not thus deprived of its guests. Those whose outward cir-
cumstances caused them to be despised by the world, and_
those hidden from the observation of men, were most ur-
gently invited, and they responded to the call. Thus it often
happens that the very blessings bestowed upon men as a
n.ieans of drawing them to the Lord are turned by them into
a hindrance to spiritual life, while the absence of temporal
comforts leads to a greater readiness to receive the "un-
speakable gift." The rejection of thd gospel call by those
first invited, and the turning to others with the same in-
vitation, foreshadowed the giving of the gospel to the Gen-
files, and is the distinct call to us to send the last message
"to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people."
The whole Bible is an invitation to come to the Lord for
salvation. This was the Lord's call to Noah (Gen. 7:1); it
was His invitation through Isaiah (Isa.. 55:1); Jesus Himself
repeated it (Matt. 11:28); a•nd among the closing words of
We expend sixty per cent of our efforts upon four per cent of our field,
S
LESSONS ON THE PARABLES OP JESUS.
the Bible the call is thrice repeated (Rev. 22:17). On the
other hand, the whole message of the Bible is concerning
the coming of Christ to and for His people. The symbolic
service foreshadowed it, the prophets foretold it, John the
Baptist gave the message of His first coming (Luke 1:76),
and his work finds its full completion in the last message
before the second coming. And so the call to-day, "Come;
for all things are now ready," is a call to prepare for the
second coming of Christ and the marriage supper of the
Lamb. By the winning power of love this message. is to go
forth to the world in this generation, to compel men to re-
ceive the gift of God's grace, to "eat the flesh of the Son of
man, and drink His blood," that they may live forever.
Through the neighborly ministry of the medical missionary
work this message is to go to the suffering and the needy,
and so, through the right use of all of God's appointed.
, agencies, all classes are to be reached and the day of the
Lord is to he hastened. Read Isa. 26:20, 21, and Rev. 22:20,
for a combination of the Lord's call and our response.
LESSON IV.—THE PARABLE OF THE TWO
DEBTORS.
Lesson Scripture.—Matt. 18 : 21-35.
Ain.—"Christ's Object Lessons," p.
2
43.
January 25, 1902.
1.
By what question was this parable suggested? What
was Christ's answer? See also Luke 17:3, 4.
2.
What experience should cause every child of the king-
dom to cultivate a forgiving spirit? Eph. 4:32; 1 John 4:11.
3.
Unto what did Jesus liken the kingdom of heaven.?
What irregularity did the. king discover in his household?
How much did the servant owe? What was the king's sen-
tence?
4.
What did the servant do? How was his plea for mercy
received?
One dollar now is of more value to the work than ten dollars will be
at
some
future period."
LESSONS ON THE PARABLES OE JESUS.
9
5.
What shows that the servant did not truly appreciate
the favor received? What plea did his fellow-servant make?
flow was the plea received?
6.
How did the evil servant's course affect his relations
with the king? What of the debt once freely forgiven?
7.
Whom• does the king in the parable represent? Who
are represented by the servants? How do all men stand be•
fore God? Rom. 3:23. How only may the debt. be
canceled?
Rom. 3:24, 25. With what declaration does Jesus close this
parable?
S. What thought is to be associated with our daily prayer
for forgiveness'! Matt. 6:12; 5:23, 24.
9.
Is this spirit to be cherished only when the one who
has done the injury asks forgiveness? Luke 23:34; 'Rom. 5:8;
Matt. 5:43-43.
10.
What is the spring of the forgiving mercy of God
toward men?—His love. Eph. 2:4. How may we receive the
same spirit of forgiveness? Boni. 5:5; 2 Cor. 5:14; John 3:16.
LESSON V.—THE PARABLE OF THE FOOLISH
RICH MAN.
Lesson' Scripture.—Luke
: 13-36.
AID.—"Christ's Object Lessons," p. 252.
February
1, 1902.
*1. What dispute was Christ once asked to arbitrate? What
evil principle did He see at the root of the dispute? What
warning did Be give?
'L. By what illustration did Jesus show the folly of living
for the things of this life only? What problem perplexed
the rich man in the parable?
3.
From whom came the fruits of his grounds? Ps.
6,:‘:9, 10. Where might he have stored the surplus? Luke
12:33.
4.
To what decision did he come? What truth had he for-
gotten? James 4:14, 15.
Nine-tenths of the women of India never heard of a Saviour.
IO
LESSONS ON THE PARABLES OF' TESUS.
5.
How was his ambitious plan cut short? What question
did the Lord suggest concerning the disposition of the man's
wealth? See also Ps. 39:6; Matt. 16:26.
6.
What class may take warning from the rich man's fate?
Toward whom should men be rich?
7.
What lessons of trust would the'Lord have us learn from
the ravens? front the lilies? What is the important thing
to seek for? Where will be the treasure of those who seek
first God's kingdom?
8.
Quote some scriptures showing that this warning against
covetousness is especially timely in the last days. What is
to be the attitude of believers in this time? Luke 12:33, 36.
LESSON VI.-ALLEGORY OF THE RICH 11AN
AND LAZARUS.
Lesson Scripture.—Luke 16:13-31.
AID.—"Christ's Object Lessons," p. 26o.
February 8,
1902.
1.
What rule of service did Christ here lay down? How
was the message received? What vice was rebuked? To
what lengths had this covetousness led? Matt. 23:14; 21:13.
2.
Before whom did these people seek justification? how
differently does God look upon a self-seeking life? What Is
the successful financial career? 2 Coy. 9:8, 9.
3.
What are the chief characters in this parable? What
was the rich man's manner of life? .In neglecting Lazarus,
what precept did he violate? Matt. 22:39; Lev. 19:18.
4.
In process of time what came alike to the rich man and
the beggar? See also Ps. 89:48; 49:6-12.
5.
What vice was this parable designed to rebuke? How
does it picture the reward of selfishness? What request is
put in the rich man's mouth? GT what is he reminded?
What had his manner of life forever fixed between, himself
and the righteous?
The needs of the cause of God are world wide.
LESSONS ON THE PARAliLES 02 JESUS.
II
6. What final request is ascribed to the rich man? How
was it answered? What is the highest evidence for truth?
What will judge every selfish life in the last day? John
12:48.
NOTE.
The allegory, in which natural objects or people are rep-
resented as acting or talking, often in a manner that would
be impossible in actual life, was a familiar means of illustra-
tion in olden times, and is here used to point the warning
against selfish living. Let not the purpose of the allegory be
missed by turning the lesson into a discussion of the state
of the dead. At most a few references only will be needed
in case any are not familiar with the Bible teaching on this
subject, as, for instance, man's condition in death (Eccl.
9:6, 6; John 11:11, 14); when the dead will be awakened (Job
14:12; John 5:28, 29); when only the righteous and the wicked
will in fact view one anther's reward (Rev
s
20:5, 7, 10).
LESSON VII.—THE TWO SONS.
Lesson Scripture.—Matt.
21 : 28-32.
AID.—"Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 272-283.
February
15, 1902.
1.
To whom was the parable of the two sons addressed?
2.
Where was it spoken?
2
J. State the circumstances which led up to it.
4.
What three persons are mentioned in the parable?
5.
Whom do they represent?
6.
What intimate relation is thus expressed?
7.
What is the vineyard?
S. What request did the father make of his elder son?
9.
Give his reply.
10.
What did the son afterward do?
11.
What was said to the second son?
12.
How did he appear to receive the command?
The Son of God beggared Himself to enrich us.
12
XrESSONS ON THE PARABLES OP JESUS.
13.
What course did he then take?
14.
What pointed question did Jesus immediately ask His
hearers?
15.
How does their reply show that they missed the real
meaning of the parable?
16.
With what words did Jesus force the lesson home?
17.
What application has this parable for the church to-
day?
QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY.
1.
What great examples of activity are set before the
Christian? John 5:17. Why is a mere profession of willing-
ness to enter God's work not sufficient? James 1:22-25;
Matt. 7:21; Eph. 2:10. How only can acceptable service be
rendered? John 15:5.
2.
What is the great test of loyalty to God? John 14:15.
Whc is the Christian's example in
.
obedience? John 15:10;
4:54;. Ps. 40:8.
3.
Why did Jesus especially warn His disciples against fol-
lowing the example of the Pharisees? Matt. 23:3. What
alone gives value to one's profession? James 2:14-18.
4.
When should the call to service be answered? Heb.
3:15. How long is the field to be occupied? Luke 19:13.
What grave danger lies in delay? John 9:4.
LESSON VIII.—PARABLE OF THE LORD'S
VINEYARD.
Lesson Scripture.—Matt.
21 : 33
-
44.
Ain.—"Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 284-306.
February
22, 1902.
1.
With what parable did Jesus continue His teaching in
the temple?
2.
Upon what was this lesson based?
3.
Who is the householder mentioned in the parable?
4.
By what were His people of Israel represented?
5.
What returns from his vineyard had the householder
a right to expect?
Prayerfully consider the unentered fields.
LESSONS ON THE PARABLES OF JESUS.
13
6.
When the time of fruit drew near, what did he do?
7.
How were these servants received?
8.
When other servants were sent to the husbandmen,
how were they also treated?
9.
Last of all, whom did the householder send?
10.
What did he say?
1.1..What treatment did the son receive?
12.
When the narrative was finished, what question did
Jesus ask His hearers?
13.
With what words did they condemn themselves?
14.
What solemn sentence did Jesus then pronounce upon
them?
15.
Who is the Stone brought to view in verse 42?
16.
What were the priests and rulers even then doing?
17.
Repeat the Saviour's description of this Stone.
IS. Show how this description contained an invitation of
mercy to all who would yet escape the doom of the unfaith-
ful husbandraen..
19. What lessons does the parable of the vineyard contain
for the church to-day?
FOR FURTHER STUDY.
1.
The planting of the vineyard; God's purpose concerning
it; its failure to fulfil that purpose; and the judgment pro-
nounced upon it., Isa. 5:1-7; 27:3; Jer. 2:21; Hosea 10:1.
2.
Israel's treatment of the servants of God. Matt. 5:12;
Acts 7:51, 52; Heb. 11:32-35.
3.
Their rejection of the Son. John 18:38-40; 19:4-12, 15-18.
4.
The Stone rejected by the builders. Isa. 28:16; 1 Cor.
3:11; 1 Peter 2:3-8.
5.
Lessons for the church to-day:—
(a)
The price paid for it. Acts 20:28.
(b)
Its commission and high calling. Matt. 5:14-16;
28:19, 20; 1 Peter 2:9, 10.
(c)
To bring forth fruit. John 15:16.
(d)
Its danger when the coming of the Householder is
near. Luke 21:34; 2 Tint. 4:3, 4.
" This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness
unto all nations; and then shall the end come."
1
4
LESSONS ON THE PARABLES OF JESUS.
LESSON IX.—THE MARRIAGE SUPPER.
Lesson Scripture.—Matt.
22 :
1
-
1
4.
AID.—"Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 307-319.
March
1, 1902.
1.
With what simple statement did Jesus introduce this
parable?
2.
Whom were the servants to call to the marriage?
3.
What shows that they had professed to accept the invi-
tation?
4.
What did they do when they were called?
5.
How did they treat the second message, "All things are
now ready; come"?
6.
What did they do to the messengers?
7.
Describe the fate of those who thus slighted the king's
invitation and killed his servants.
8.
What is illustrated by the two calls to the marriage
and their•re;ection?
9.
Afterward, what did the king say to his servants?
10.
Who were to be bidden?
11.
What does this third call represent?
12.
How was the wedding finally furnished with guests?
13.
What was provided for each one?
14.
what is the wedding-garment?
15.
What insult was offered the king by o•ne who accepted
his invitation to the marriage?
16.
What question was asked him by the king?
17.
How did he reply? What does this show?
18.
What was done with him?
19.
Like the parables of the two sons, the Lord's vineyard,
etc., what special and solemn meaning had this parable for
those who heard it spoken?
20.
How does its lesson apply to the church to-day?
21.
Why are few chosen? Show how this is taught in the
parable.
"Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that He will send forth laborers
into His harvest."
LESSONS ON THE PARABLES OE JESUS.
15
FOR FURTHER STUDY.
1. The
gospel invitation given to the :Jews. Mark 1:14,
Luke 4:43, 44; 8:1; 9:1, 2; Matt. 10:1, 7.
2. Rejected by them. Acts 7:51-54.
3. Given to the Gentiles. Matt 23:19, 20; Acts 10:34-43.
4.
The wedding garment:—
(a)
What it is. Rev. 19:8.
(b)
'Worn by whom. Rev. 19:7, S; Eph. 5:27.
(c)
How obtained. Rev. 3:18.
5. The examination of the guests. Rev. 20:11, 12.
6. The solemn responsibility of those who are bidden to the
wedding. Matt. 24:42, 44; Rev. 16:15.
LESSON X.—THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS.
Lesson Scripture.—Matt. 25:
14-30.
Ain.—"Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 325-365.
March 8,
19oz.
1.
By what did Christ again represent the kingdom of
heaven?
2.
Where did the man go? Unto whom did he deliver
his goods? For what purpose?
3.
How were these gifts distributed? Did any receive
more
OF
less than he was capable of using? How did each
servant treat his gift?
4.
On his return, what did the lord do? What report did
each bring?
5.
What reward did he bestow upon the one who had re-
ceived five talents? The one who had received two talents?
licw did their rewards compare with their faithfulness?
0. What did he who had received one talent say? blow
did he thus bring judgment upon himself? What reply did
the lOrd make? What was done with his talent? Bow did
his sentence compare with his unfaithfulness?
7. What is naturally expected of one to whom goods have
been intrusted? How much do we possess that does not
belong to the Lord?
" The advent message to the world in this generation "—our watchword.
16
LESSONS ON THE PARABLES ON
JESUS.
S. What lesson is taught in this parable? What warning
does it contain for those who think that the smallness of
their gift excuses them from service? What encouragement
to faithfulness?
9...Why was this lesson given? What condition does it
show will exist in the church just before the coming of the
Lord?
10.
Mention the many gifts that may be included in the
talents. What practical lesson does this parable teach?
OTHER REFERENCES.
Mark 13:33, 34; Luke 19:11-23; 1 Cor. 12:4-11, 28-31; Eph.
4:7-9, 11, 12; Rom. 12:6-8; James .1:17; 2 Cor. 8:12; Eccl. 9:10,
Col. 3:23.
LESSON XL—THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD
SAMARITAN.
Lesson Scripture.—Luke
io
AID.—"Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 376-389.
March 15,
1902.
1.
What incident led Jesus to speak the parable of the
good Samaritan?
2.
Why did this certain lawyer question Jesus?
3.
After receiving a satisfactory reply, what did he ask
further? What motive prompted him?
_
4.
}Tow did Jesus answer this question?
5.
What happened to the man who traveled from Jericho
to Jerusalem?
6.
How was he treated by the priest? By the Levite?
7.
Why did not the Samaritan treat him in the same man-
ner? What did he do for the unfortunate man?
8.
After relating this incident, what question did Jesus
propound to the lawyer? What evidence have we that he
saw the lesson that the Saviour designed to teach?
There shall be delay no longer "—our confidence.
LESSONS ON THE PARABLES OF JESUS.
I j
9.
Then, what answer did he receive to the question, "Who
is: my neighbor?"
10.
What practical lesson may we draw from this incident?
11.
What motive must prompt all true service? From what
source alone does this spirit emanate?
12.
Where may we find a perfect example of compassion
for one's neighbor?
OTHER REFERENCES.
Isaiah 53; John 4:9; 2 Cor. 5:14.
LESSON XII.—THE LABORERS IN THE VINE-
YARD.
Lesson Scripture.—Matt.
19 : 27-30; I : i6.
AID.—"Christ's
Object Lessons," pp. 39
0-
4
0
4-
March
22, 1902.
1.
What circumstance opened the way for the parable of
the laborers?
2.
Unto what did Jesus liken the kingdom of heaven in
this parable?
3.
What is the householder represented as doing?
4.
When did he hire the first laborers? What agreement
did he make with them? •
5.
At what other hours of the clay did he hire laborers?
What reward did he offer these?
6.
What did he say to those whom he found idle at the
eleventh hour? What was their reply?
7. How did his offer to these compare with the promise
made to those who began earlier in the day?
9.
When even was come, what instruction did- the lord of
the vineyard give his steward?
10.
How were the laborers rewarded? What complaint was
made by those who had labored all day? What reason dirt
they give for this?
" Lift up your eyes and look on the fields; for they are white already to
harvest."
18
LESSONS ON THE PARABLES OF JESUS.
11.
What reply did they receive? What application did
Jesus make?
12.
What lesson do you derive from this
-
parable?
LESSON HELPS.
Mark 10:17-31; Luke 18:18-30; Eph. 3:20; Titus 3:4-7; Boni.
4:1-5; Jer. 9:23, 24; 2 Cor. 8:9; Matt. 6:20; 13:22; Prov. 11:28;
Ps. 52:7; 62:10; Luke 5:11; Testimonies, vol. 1, pp. 170-178.
NOTE.
By reading carefully the last fifteen verses of Matthew 20,
the event, which led up to this parable is made very plain.
A
rich young man, coming to Jesus, had been told, "If thou
wilt be perfect, go and sell
-
that thou hest, and give to the
poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come
and follow Me." The disciples were amazed at Jesus' com-
ments concerning the rich, as they had been taught to look
upon this class as favorites of heaven.
Peter immediately connected the action of the young man
and Christ's words with their experience as disciples, and
asked what they, who had forsaken all and followed Him,
were to receive.
After a promise which breathes hope to every true disciple,
Joins illustrates by the parable of the laborers in the vine-
and the true motive that should prompt all sacrifice. The
reward is not of works, but of grace. "To him that worketh
not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his
faith is counted for righteousness." nom. 4:5. "Not by
works of righteousness which we have done, but according
to His mercy He saved us." Titus 3:5.
The offerings for this quarter go to the most neLoy fields.
LESSONS ON THE PARABLES OP JESUS.
19
LESSON XIII —THE PARABLE OF TEN VIRGINS.
Lesson Scripture.—Matt.
25:1-13.
AID.—"Christ's
Object Lessons," pp. 405-421.
March
29
1902.
1.
By what word did Jesus introduce the parable of the
ten virgins? What experience had He just described? Matt.
24. Then when does this parable apply?
2.
What two classes are brought to view? What did all
alike carry? For what purpose did they go forth?
3.
What evidence is given showing that five were foolish?
4.
Why did they need an extra supply of oiI? Then what
experience developed the condition of the two classes?
5.
What announcement awakes the sleeping virgins? Why
were all not ready to meet the bridegroom, when all started
with this one object in view?
6.
To what source were the foolish virgins directed to go
for oil? Why could they not borrow from their friends?
See 'Eye. 14:20.
7.
What was the result of their not being prepared when
the bridegroom came?
8.
How did their experience compare with that of those
who had oil in their lamps? How long had their lights been
burning?
9.
What reply did the foolish virgins receive to their ap-
peal that the door be opened to them? Why was it then too
late to replenish their lamps?
10 With what solemn admonition did Christ close this par-
able? What experience of God's people does it• portray?
11. What is the significance of the virgins, the lamps, the
oil, the tarrying of the bridegroom, his coming at midnight.,
the closed door. the disappointment of those who were un-
prepared to go in? What practical lesson does this parable
teach?
LESSON HELPS.
1 Thess. 5:26; 2 Peter 3:3-11; Rev. 19:6-9; 21:2, 9, 10; Luke
12
.
35-48; Matt. 24:42-51; Luke 13:24-30; Matt. 7:21-23; Ps.
119:105; Zech. 4:1-14; Pao. 14:20; Matt. 5:14, 16; Isa. 60:1;
2 Cor. 4:6, 7; Isa. 25:9.
Wel expend sixty per cent of our efforts upon four per cent of our field.
Ghe
HOME
We are planning on making the Home
Department of the
Sign
,
of the Times
fot the next
yea• just as practical, helpful, and interesting as
possible. We are securing many original articles
from men and women of wide experience in differ-
ent phases of the world's work, some of which
are as follows:—
Under the general heading of "Plain Talks.
on Health and Hygiene" there will be given the
value of different baths, simplicity in diet, the
evils of such bad habits as hasty eating, hot foods,
soda and seasoning, drinking at meals, tea, coffee,
and tobacco using.
Practical suggestions will be given on venti-
lation, while the blessings of sunshine, pure water,
pure rood, and the hygiene of hopefulness will all
receive due attention.
Talks to the father, to the mother, to the
parents, co ale boys, to the girls, and to the family,
will be features in which our readers will be much
interested. Ocher writers will speak of economy
in the home, beauty and simplicity in the home,
and the sate of children There will also be the
usual number of unusually good stories.
Sample copies will be sent free to those
asking for them. .
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA
A Boon to the Isolated
Missionary Woriter
And a Help to All
Hereafter the isolated missionary worker and
the small church will be supplied with the
Signs
at the same price as the largest church. That rate
is seventy cents per copy in clubs of five or more.
This is an important change, and certainly one
which will appeal to thousand's of our brethren and
sisters who can not secure papers through a large
club, and can not afford to subscribe for a few copies
at the rates which have been in force heretofore.
It will also recommend itself to members of
large churches who take five or more copies through
their church clubs, inasmuch as they may now receive
them direct from this office. It is true the rate on
these large clubs will be slightly increased, but the
greater convenience of a personal club, and the knowl-
edge of the fact that their small financial loss is the
gain of the isolated member, will outweigh the in-
creased expense.
Another Aid
From any one who is taking a club of five papers,
we will accept single additional subscriptions at the
rate of 83 cents per year. in other words we will
charge only the club rate of 70 cents per year plus
the cost of sending out such single subscriptions sep-
arately, which is one-fourth cent each, or 25 cents
per hundred. This offer will greatly help those who
are engaged in missionary correspondence, who only
wish papers sent to individuals a month or six weeks.
Often the person to whom such papers are sent, if
written to with the first copy, will either write his
appreciation of the paper or refuse to accept it within
that time, in which case it may be changed to another
name
without additional cost.
Then again, there are many churches that would
gladly use larger clubs if they did not have to pay
a cent a copy postage. If such will send in lists of
names to which they, wish papers sent, we will
address, wrap, and mail such papers for 25 cents
extra per hundred, or will
furnish the papers and
send them out for $z .6o per hundred.
To make this missionary feature as helpful and
practical as possible, we have secured the services of
an experienced man in tract and missionary work,
a man in fact who has been laboring in. a state tract
society office for eight years, to take the immediate
charge of all such lists of names and to make any
suggestions to those sending them, which, according
to his experience, would be most helpful. He will
see that the papers are neatly addressed, carefully
wrapped, and promptly mailed each week. Where
sample copies are ordered out, he will have each
marked "Sample Copy," and will attend to all other
technicalities required by the post-office authorities.
All these attentions to details will greatly help the
appearance of the papers and add much to their influ-
ence. Thus we will attend to sending out the papers,
and the worker will attend to the correspondence.
Special Terms
We have not changed our special terms to those
taking less than five papers. They are as follows:
One new yearly subscription and one renewal,
or two new yearly subscriptions, sent at one time,
$2.50.
Two new yearly subscriptions and one renewal,
or three new yearly subscriptions, sent at one
time, $3.25.
Three new yearly subscriptions and one renewal,
or four new yearly subscriptions, sent at one
time, $4.00.
Special Agents
We have a class of agents who are selling one
hundred or more copies of the
Signs
weekly, from
house to house. The results of such work have
been most excellent, and to encourage it all we can
we have made a special rate of $1.00 per hundred.
This is allowed only where
one hundred or more are
taken weekly, however.
This rate will be continued.
Co=operation
It is our desire to co-operate with those in the
field, hence the foregoing plans. They will add
much to our work here, but this we will look upon
as our part, and will be done to the very best of our
ability. Write to -as.
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA
SOON TO BE READY
The following books will be published with-
in a short time:
:: Further information
concerning any of them will be gladly given
Modern Science vs. Christianity
By Geo. MacReady Price
An entirely new treatment of the subjects of evolution and geology
About two hundred pages :: Cloth :: Price probably 75 cents
Things Foretold
• •
By W. N. Glenn
Easy lessons in prophecy for children :: Price not yet fixed
Sunday in History :
By C. H. Edwards
What leading men in all denominations say of the perpetuity of the,
Sabbath and the validity of Sunday .: Price probably 25 cents
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING @O. :
Oakland, Cal.
ri West Twentieth Street :: :: New York City
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